Birmingham Airport evacuated and flights suspended over ‘suspicious vehicle’

Birmingham Airport (BHX) in the United Kingdom (UK) has been evacuated and flights suspended amid a police incident involving a “suspicious vehicle”. 

According to Birmingham Airport, officers from West Midlands Police are currently dealing with an incident and passengers are being advised not to attend the airport.  

In a statement on October 23, 2024, West Midlands Police said that evacuation was a “precautionary measure to ensure the safety of passengers and staff”. 

A Birmingham Airport spokesperson said: “Airport operations are currently impacted, and passengers should not come to the airport at this time. The Airport’s social channels will be updated as and when the situation changes. For passengers with immediate flights this afternoon they should contact their airline and check the Airport’s website for updates.” 

Flightradar24 noted that aircraft on the approach to Birmingham Airport continued their landings.

According to local news websites, passengers in cars were being turned away from the airport and crowds of people were seen leaving the terminals.

Passengers appear to have been told to evacuate to the Birmingham NEC, a nearby exhibition centre.

Something g going v down at BHX. @bbcwm pic.twitter.com/ByGrtiJyZs— Ian Pugh (@picopugh) October 23, 2024 In a statement the West Midlands Fire Service said: “Shortly after 12.20pm today, we were notified of an ongoing incident at Birmingham Airport. Two officers are currently on site, working closely with police, ambulance, and airport staff. Local resources are on standby, ready to provide additional support if needed.”

So far, no airlines appear to have advised passengers of alternative arrangements or confirmed how their flights will be affected.  

Birmingham Airport is an operating base for easyJet, Jet2.com, Ryanair and TUI Airways. 

Around 11 million passengers used Birmingham Airport in 2023 representing an increase of 19.63% compared to 2022.  

Update at 17:50 (UTC+3):

Birmingham Airport has confimed that the police incident is now over.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the airport said: “Following a Police investigation, operations are now returning to normal. If travelling today, customers are advised to check their latest flight information and arrive at the airport in line with their check-in opening times.”

The spokesperson added: “Whilst we apologise for any inconvenience and disruption, the safety and security of everyone at the airport was our number one priority as we worked through this incident with Police partners.”

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